Setien Defends Decision To Bench Griezmann Against Celta Vigo
Barcelona manager Quique Setien has defended his decision to start Antoine Griezmann from the bench against Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday.
The La Liga champions were held to a 2-2 draw at the Estadio de Balaidos as Barcelona moved just one point clear of Real Madrid, who visit bottom side Espanyol on Sunday, in the race for the title.
Griezmann was introduced for two-goal hero Luis Suarez nine minutes from time when Barcelona were leading 2-1 but Iago Aspas’ 89th minute free-kick ensured the spoils were shared.
The 29-year-old France international joined the Blaugrana for €120m from Atletico Madrid last summer but his 42 appearances in a Barcelona jersey have so far yielded just 14 goals.
"I don't take into consideration the player's price tag," Setien told a news conference after the game.
"Last week we chose one specific team, and today we decided on another one. Last week you asked me why Ansu Fati wasn't playing, why Riqui Puig wasn't playing and today why Griezmann isn't playing.
"These are decisions I make and they are technical decisions. They're not made rashly, and they are done with the best of intentions for the team."
Real Madrid have the opportunity to assert their authority at the top of the table with victory over Espanyol later on Sunday.
Barcelona could find themselves two points behind Zinedine Zidane’s men when they next take to the field against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
